Helicopter delivers tank to avoid narrow road

Claire Starr
BBC News, Bidborough
The helicopter lifted one of the tanks across fields in Bidborough

A helicopter has been used to deliver large equipment to a water treatment site in Kent due to narrow roads.

The water tank was airlifted to the Southern Water wastewater treatment works in Bidborough.

The company is investing £1.25 million in the site to install new equipment to improve water quality.

The aircraft was used because surrounding roads were too narrow for an articulated lorry.

A couple of journeys were made by the helicopter from a local farm, across nearby fields with the cargo hanging underneath.

Two parts were dropped off at the site, with a Southern Water team waiting to receive them.

One part weighed 985kg (2171bs) with the other part weighing 545kg (1,201lbs).

A group of local residents also gathered to watch the transportation fly over neighbouring fields.

Southern Water The helicopter hovering over a black cylinder that it's delivering. Workers in orange PPE are helping with the deliverySouthern Water
The helicoper delivered two parts to the tank, which is over 4m tall and wide

Southern Water says the delivery is "a key milestone" in continuing its investment at the Bidborough Works.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

Related internet links